A Colonial Christmas Posted December 11, 2021 Join us at Colonial Michilimackinac for a taste of the holidays in the 18th century. From the first Christmas services in Mackinac recorded by Jesuits to later British and French-Canadian traditions, the Colonial Christmas at Michilimackinac gives visitors the rare chance to step inside the fort during the winter months to experience how people celebrated the holidays over two centuries ago. Festive treats, stories, and music, as well as hot drinks and crackling fires on the hearths, will be scattered around the candle-lit site for you to explore and enjoy. We hope you’ll join us for the Colonial Christmas at Michilimackinac! #thisismackinac
Fort Fright Posted October 9, 2021 Lanterns light your way through an 18th-century fort and fur trading village overrun by werewolves, witches, goblins and ghouls. Storytellers weave spooky folktales near bonfires and treats such as hot mulled cider, cookies and candy can be found throughout the site. Most stops are suitable for all ages, but a haunted house, demon walk and werewolf walk will give thrills and chills to adults and children alike. Join us for the Fort Fright Frolic, a special ticketed event at the Commanding Officer’s House. Tickets will be available online soon. Last admission at 8:30 both nights.
Fort Fright Posted October 8, 2021 Lanterns light your way through an 18th-century fort and fur trading village overrun by werewolves, witches, goblins and ghouls. Storytellers weave spooky folktales near bonfires and treats such as hot mulled cider, cookies and candy can be found throughout the site. Most stops are suitable for all ages, but a haunted house, demon walk and werewolf walk will give thrills and chills to adults and children alike. Join us for the Fort Fright Frolic, a special ticketed event at the Commanding Officer’s House. Tickets will be available online soon. Last admission at 8:30 both nights.
Let’s Talk Dirt: The Science of 18th Century Laundry Posted September 10, 2021 Clean clothes mattered to people in the 18th century, so much so that some women made a career out of doing other peoples’ laundry. Join us for this exciting program about the soapy, sudsy science that helped people keep their clothes clean at Michilimackinac. Admission by donation. #thisismackinac
Movie by the Bridge Posted September 5, 2021 Enjoy Frozen in Michilimackinac State Park in Mackinaw City with the Mackinac Bridge as your background. Bring a blanket or a chair and a snack. This is a free event. #thisismackinac
Archaeology at Historic Mill Creek Posted August 24, 2021 Archaeology played a key role in the development of Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. After its rediscovery in 1972, excavations happened in 1973-75, 1979, and between 1984-1994. Join Curator of Archaeology Dr. Lynn Evans for a brief history of the site and its excavation, followed by a walking tour of the archaeological sites. Admission by donation. #thisismackinac
Sunset at Mill Creek Posted August 19, 2021 When the sawmill closes for the day and visitors leave the park, the North Woods of Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park come alive with wildlife. Join park naturalist Kyle Bagnall on a quiet evening stroll as we search for animals that become active at night. We’ll be on the lookout for residents such as porcupines, raccoons, owls, and mink along the creek. We may also hear coyotes in the distance and flute-like songs of wood thrushes ringing through the trees. Before sunset, we’ll climb the steps to the top of the Forest Discovery Tower for an amazing view as the sun disappears beneath the horizon. Participants should meet in the front parking lot, near the flagpoles, where we’ll begin our hike. This is a free event. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. #thisismackinac
Movie by the Bridge Posted August 15, 2021 Enjoy Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Michilimackinac State Park in Mackinaw City with the Mackinac Bridge as your background. Bring a blanket or a chair and a snack. #thisismackinac
Askin’s Men and Women at Michilimackinac, 1778 Posted August 8, 2021 Askin’s Men and Women at Michilimackinac, 1778, will explore the lives of the men and women, both free and enslaved, who worked for the merchant John Askin at Michilimackinac in the 1770s. Join the staff at Michilimackinac as they demonstrate the various work performed by Askin’s employees, who included sailors, bakers, gardeners, cooks, voyageurs, laundresses, and more. Be sure to explore all around the fort and grounds, as informal demonstrations will be taking place throughout the weekend as well! All events will be included with a regular ticket to Colonial Michilimackinac. #thisismackinac PROGRAM SCHEDULE 10:00 a.m. – Hands on History: Unpack a Trade Bale Activity 11:00 a.m. – Askin’s Employees Program 12:00 p.m. – Michilimackinac’s Enslaved Community Program 2:00 p.m. – Sailors and Voyageurs Boat Demonstration 4:00 p.m. – Askin’s Employees Program 5:00 p.m. – Hands on History: Unpack a Trade Bale Activity 6:00 p.m. – People of the Fur Trade Program
Askin’s Men and Women at Michilimackinac, 1778 Posted August 7, 2021 Askin’s Men and Women at Michilimackinac, 1778, will explore the lives of the men and women, both free and enslaved, who worked for the merchant John Askin at Michilimackinac in the 1770s. Join the staff at Michilimackinac as they demonstrate the various work performed by Askin’s employees, who included sailors, bakers, gardeners, cooks, voyageurs, laundresses, and more. Be sure to explore all around the fort and grounds, as informal demonstrations will be taking place throughout the weekend as well! All events will be included with a regular ticket to Colonial Michilimackinac. #thisismackinac PROGRAM SCHEDULE 10:00 a.m. – Hands on History: Unpack a Trade Bale Activity 11:00 a.m. – Askin’s Employees Program 12:00 p.m. – Michilimackinac’s Enslaved Community Program 2:00 p.m. – Sailors and Voyageurs Boat Demonstration 4:00 p.m. – Askin’s Employees Program 5:00 p.m. – Hands on History: Unpack a Trade Bale Activity 6:00 p.m. – People of the Fur Trade Program
